Influenza and the ’Flu-like Illness

Comparison of the Directigen Flu A+B Test, the QuickVue Influenza Test, and Clinical Case Definition to Viral Culture and Reverse Transcription-PCR for Rapid Diagnosis of Influenza Virus Infection

“…Therefore, the pertinence of these results is questionable when they are applied to the target population served by practicing physicians in the community (patients with high-risk conditions who consult their physician for influenza-related complications) (16). Other, earlier studies reported that no clinical symptoms or signs are specific for influenza virus infections (5,14,27). Our study confirms the earlier findings and suggests that the poor specificity and PPV of the clinical case definition for influenza preclude its use for predicting influenza virus infections, especially when infection control decision making in the hospital setting is considered.…”

Antibiotics in general practice

“…The same principles apply to adults, and the equiv¬ alent uncomplicated cough occurs in influenza and the 'flu-like illness (Everett, 1977a). Purulent sputum sug¬ gests the need for prescription and patient pressure is high, yet in the absence of chest infection is not an indication for antibiotic use (Stott and West, 1976).…”